Butch Hein, age 78, of Forsyth passed away as the result of a tragic auto accident, just a short distance from his home on the afternoon of October 13, 2023.
Bernard “Butch” Hein was born on a rainy day, June 28th, 1945, in Miles City to Walt and Vina (Leary) Hein. Butch grew up on the family homestead north of Forsyth. He graduated from high school in 1964 and after being drafted in 1966, served in the United States Navy. In Vietnam, he served as a mailman and was proud of his service. Butch was honorably discharged and upon his return home, married Bonnie Wertz on April 13, 1968.
Butch and Bonnie made their home in Forsyth and ranched on the original family homestead (established 1912). Son Scott was born on November 5, 1969, and he was Butch’s pride and joy. Butch felt his greatest accomplishment in life was being Scott’s dad. Bonnie passed away in the spring of 1974. Despite that devastating loss, Butch and Scott continued to operate their cattle operation, which evolved into a five-generation family ranch. Butch enjoyed his partnership with Scott, as they raised quality Hereford-Angus cross cattle. Scott and Butch ranched together from the day Scott was born until the day Butch passed away. Butch could often be found on his horse or lending a helping hand to his neighbors, which he enjoyed greatly. He was very particular about how things were to be done, and he made it well known that he was the only one who could brand the cattle. He was overjoyed and full of pride when Carson came home to be on the ranch in 2022. He had a deep appreciation for a good horse and a good set of black cows.
Butch was a loving father and devoted grandfather. He was the proud Grandpa of Laura, Carson, and Lindsey. Butch was an involved grandpa and rarely missed a basketball game, band concert, or birthday party. Butch would tell anyone who would listen that Laura was the greatest teacher, Carson the most talented cowboy, and Lindsey the best basketball player to ever come out of Forsyth.
Butch always had a smile on his face and was a friend to all, ready to visit whenever he had an opportunity. He loved to laugh, and he was always pulling a prank on someone. Butch was easy to find, because each morning started with breakfast, followed by a trip to the ranch, and he enjoyed having lunch in Forsyth or in Miles City with his friends.
Butch was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie; parents Walt and Vina Hein; and siblings Ed Hein, Marian Kanta, and Walter Schulenburg.
Butch is survived by his son, Scott (Terri); grandchildren Laura (Sean) Dailey, Carson, and Lindsey Hein; his sister Esther Hein; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Rosebud County Museum, 1200 Main Street, Forsyth, MT 59327.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday October 19, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday October 20, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 20, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday October 19, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday October 20, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 20, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Richard and Cindy Woelich says
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Hein Family. It’s sad that we lose our friends and family with such sudden and unfortunate circumstances.
God Bless You All and Watch Over You…
Richard and Cindy Woelich
Charlie and Terri Brown says
Our hearts and prayers are with the Hein Family as they navigate this tragedy. We offer our most sincere sympathy and pray God’s love carries you through the most difficult times.
Robert and Leona Searles says
Our prayers go out to the Hein family. So sorry for the loss of Butch. He will be missed.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Scott and family,
We were sickened with the news of Butch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
He really enjoyed lunches and visiting with everyone at the senior center. He will truly be missed!
Butch and Faye Beyl says
Our most sincere sympathy in this difficult time.
Sharon Wetsch says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Hein family. Butch will be so missed. He was always a friendly hello and a wave. We are so sorry for your loss..
Lori Reierson says
My thoughts and prayers for the Hein family during this time. Butch will be missed!
Darrell L Brabec says
Scott prayers for all your family with the sudden loss of your father.
Jack crocker says
So sorry to here about butch my prayers go out to the family he will be missed
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Doug and I were shocked to learn of Butch’s death. Doug has always enjoyed visiting with Butch so much and says he will miss those conversations, and I also enjoyed working on ranch history with Butch. He was so proud of his ranching days and heritage.
We feel for all the family — we know how close you are.
With our thoughts and prayers, Doug & Cherie
Darrell & Steffani Grogan says
Thinking of the Hein family at this difficult time.
Chelsey Teeters-Hallman says
My heart aches with you all during this difficult time. Butch was an amazing man and always had a smile on his face, I will miss that dearly. He holds a special place in my heart and will always.
Thinking of you all ♥️
Connie Brown says
Hearts are heavy for the Hein family ,such a tragedy in the blink of an eye. Family and friends hold tight to your memories of Butch. He was a thoughtful and caring man, who brought advice and laughter to many each day. My prayers are for all who knew him and for those who didn’t but wished they had.
Lynn Tompkins says
So sorry to hear this. Always enjoyed visiting with Butch down at the Senior Center. Our world just got smaller with this loss of another ” good old boy”.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Butch was a wonderful man.
June Cox says
June Cox says
Scott, Terri and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss of Butch .This will leave a big hole in your Family’
and in the community. We will all miss him!
Kelli Rooney says
Such a nice gentleman who I had the privilege to know. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Justin and Marsha Ash says
To the Hein family and all who loved Butch.
Justin and I send our deepest sympathy and love to you all. Butch will be missed by so many of us. He was an awesome man and I personally am going to miss him teasing me and making me laugh. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to let me know. We are here for you all. ❤️
Velma Leary-Grba says
MY Sincere condolences to all of “Butch’s ” family and friends . Butch is my cousin, his Mom Vina and my Dad Kirby Leary Sr., were brother/sister. I will always remember cousin Butch with his white western shirt on and pressed sleeves and jeans, When I was at the fair this year in Forsyth, he tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a big ol’ hug. Always had a smile on his face. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Peggy and Earl says
Scott, Terri, and Family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beloved Father and Grandpa. Forsyth has lost another pillar of our community. We can not chose how our earthly life ends. But, we can choose how we live while on this earth. Butch lived life to the fullest. He was highly respected in our community, and surrounding communities. He loved the ranching way of life, and was an expert at all aspects of that chosen lifestyle. May you find comfort in warm memories, and know others are sharing this sorrow with you.
Wendy Warren says
Scott, Terri and all of the Hein family – so sad to hear about Butch. He was such a pleasure to visit with and he will be whole heartedly missed by this community. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Ron and Ruth Burman says
Condolences and Prayers to the Families and friends of Butch.We,did not know him well.But,he was always kind to us at the senior Center.
Deb and Bill Anderson says
I am so sorry Scott and Terri, and children, this was so sad to hear, Butch had a good heart and I know he loved you all dearly and I know he cannot be replaced may you find comfort in the fact that he did love you and he will be watching over you.
Lena and Tom Falcon says
We are sorry to hear about Butch. He was an amazing story teller and so much fun to listen to. He was definitely one of the “good guys”. You are in our prayers
Michelle Fahrenbruck Sorenson & Family says
Our hearts & prayers are with the Hein family during this difficult time. Butch will be missed dearly
Dale and Rita Watson says
We were so sorry to learn about Butch’s passing. He was a nice person and good neighbor. Praying for your family.
Darla Baldwin says
My first real job was with Butch. God Speed Sir.
Roy Jellison says
Roy and Dona Jellison. Sorry to hear about Butch he always stopped and talked when we met on the road while walking will miss our conversations our prayers be with you Scott and Terri
Mari Weber says
Our deepest condolences. Our family was so sad to hear of his passing. He sure took his time to help and explain ranching to our sons. His advice will be missed. Hugs and prayers to the Hein Family.
Jack Fleming says
Scott,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad.
Lonna Gray says
So sorry to hear- – Butch went to school with me. My sympathy to the Hein family.
Lois and Jim says
We are so sad to hear of Butch,s accident.Butch was one of the first to welcome us to the Forsyth commmunity!Was always ready to visit….sincere sympathy to the family!
Laura Kron Monasmith says
Butch was a great dancer and kind man. He was a true example of what a gentleman is.
Steve Fourtner says
Scott and family, sorry to hear about your loss. Butch will be missed. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Norma Rangel Wegmann says
Scott and family. So sorry for your loss. Butch always had a smile and wave for Me and my Sister Gloria when ever he saw us. Will miss seeing him at the post office on Mon and Fri.
Ron Mogen says
I first remember Butch as just a skinny little tyke tagging along with his brother, Eddie, and his sister, Ester, when we played together in the late “Forties”. Later I would see him scramble onto the bus every school day at the “Y” in the Cartersville road. Butch was the last one on the bus — but the first one to crawl into your heart. I never stopped liking him. And even many years later, whenever I spotted him in the post office or walking along the street, I immediately felt good. We would visit, generally about his love for Scott and the grandkids and the finest things of life. Though I haven’t seen him for years, I will miss knowing he was there.
My heart felt empathy to Scott and Terri and the grandkids. Farewell to a lifelong friend.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
Scott, Terri, Laura,Carson and Lindsey,
No word can express the loss . I look through the preceding comments and the number of times the word friend appears tells it all! To have a friend, you need to be a friend and Butch was the true example of FRIEND!
Butch was a great Dad and he had a great dad! (Not sure Walt was always a good example—like the time he had been in the moonshine and decided to jump from Dad’s boat to Boardman’s in the middle of the Yellowstone traveling in opposite directions). His love of you, Scott never wavered!
Terri, Butch loved you so much for being there for Scott. He could not have had a better daughter!
Laura, Butch admired your stamina for teaching! He told of how you had to clean up after a “mess” a kindergartner left you! He was so proud.
Carson, Butch never flowed as much as when he talked about how you skipped breakfast to get the horses ready at branding! He always took you your bacon so you weren’t too hungry. Working with you made him look forward to each day.
Lindsey, how Butch’s chest grew when he talked about how athletic you are! He looked forward to seeing what you became!
We never know why things happen the way they do! Car accidents make no sense when they happen, but I promise you that someday you will receive a quiet voice from the Lord and it will start to make sense!
Love to all of you!
Rita and Bill
John Pachl says
My sincere condolences to the Hein Family.
Butch Schulenberg says
Charlys and I reach out to All Butch’s Family, with Prayers and Hugs and know that He is riding high on His Horse in Heaven 🙏
Natalie says
Dear Scott, I am so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I did love him and you some 40 years ago, but, my fault it didn’t work out. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tragedy. I’m so glad you had a wonderful relationship with your dad. I’m proud of all you have accomplished in your life. Your dad was a good dad, a hard worker and great dancer. You are now the patriarch and Butch has prepared you for that role and responsibility.
Dee & Shelly Batey says
Sending prayers to the entire Hein family. May he rest in peace.
Lin Cory koerper says
To Hein Family, May the Lord of all comfort hold you in His arms and give you peace at this time of sorrow. May the memories you made together give lasting strength to hold on to. I didn’t know Butch long but while at the Senior Center enjoyed visiting and listening to his stories, and even a few dances. He will be missed by so many. You are in my prayers, may God bring healing to your hearts.
Dave, Wendy, Daniel Shreeve says
So sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. Such a great guy to visit with and tell a joke or two. Butch was a true Montana Man that knew cattle, horses, and people.
Scott and family; may your memory of all the great times and love Butch gave you and with time the pain of loss lessons.
Sharon Borla says
I am shocked an saddened to learn of Butch’s untimely death. His passing will certainly leave a void in the community. He always had a smile and made time to visit. He loved his family, his ranch and his friends. My sincere sympathy and prayers for comfort to his family and loved ones.
Shirley A Skinner/Tom Skinner says
Scott and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of your Dad’s horrible accident. You have our deepest condolences and many prayers. The comments on here are a great testimony to how much he meant to so many. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Lorelie and Twaine Shick says
Scott, Terry and Hein family,
I couldn’t believe writing this for Butch he had so much life in him. Our sincerest condolences. Twaine and I are sending hugs and prayers of healing, comfort and strength during this rough and tough times. We are saddened by his tragic passing. We’re gonna missed his crisp laugh when he gives you hard a time. For 9 years I’ve known and cleaned Butch’s house he was the most disciplined,particular,structured, spotless, sincere and sensible person. He was proud of being particular, and you can tell he was in the military. Thank you for your service Butch. When he was stationed in Philippines he didn’t really care for one, the weather, and two, being over populated and three, so far from his family and friends. He was so proud of each one of his grandkids of what they have become. He was greatful of Scott and Terry for raising them right. So long farewell to you Butch. Rest in peace.
Yvonne L. says
Butch and I got to know each other through taking care of Pete M. I don’t know the rest of the Hein family but we had coffee at least monthly for several years. It saddened me to learn this wreck was Butch. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Karen Losing says
Scott and Terri and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Butch. What a terrible shock to his family and everyone that knew him. He was very dedicated to his family and his ranching business and certainly one of the finest citizens of the Forsyth community. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Marcus Belgarde says
Butch was a very great man. I am so very sorry to hear about Butch’s passing, I knew him very well. I will miss him so very much. sorry for you loss for the family.
Nordstrom says
Although we can’t be with you in person you are in our thoughts and prayers. Butch always had a friendly hello for everyone. Bless you all! Love Tom and Julie Nordstrom
Karl & Rosella Heberle says
So sorry to hear the news . A great person
who always had time to talk and visit with
everyone,, He will be missed. God Bless
Arlen & Barbara Kirkaldie says
Scott ,Terri , Hein Family and Friends ,
With our deepest condolences We are lifting you all up in our prayers. God bless you and help you through this most tragic loss .
Diana Robinette says
The Butch Hein family sending my deepest condolences, lifting you all up in my prayers. God bless you all and help you through your loss.
Cindy Sheridan says
To my uncle Butch as grandma called him Butchie. I will miss you,I remember when I was very small not in school yet uncle Butch came to visit us, and in the back yard was a big oak tree he got a rope and flung it up over the limb to make us three kids a swing .I still remember that because that made made my day,I was so happy.rest in peace and sweet dreams.I love you. Cindy Sheridan Esther Heins daughter .
Rick and Calene Smith says
Our thoughts to all of the Hein family and his friends. Butch was certainly one-of-a-kind fella. We always enjoyed our visits with him… and his dry sense of humor.
Boyd Dailey says
Laura, very sorry to hear about your grandfather passing away. it was an honor to have met him at your wedding. Condolences to all of the Hein family.
John Stevens says
Scott and family, God bless you all in this wonderful time of morning for your Father and grandfather my prayers are with you all, Butch was a great man , he always had a nice thing to say, and would make me laugh Scott, , give me a shout if u need anything ok God bless u all ok luv ya John..
Carolyn Hays says
Scott and family, so sorry to hear about your Dad/Grandpa. We were your neighbors for quite a few years although we didn’t know you well, but I did know your dad and had a lot of respect for him. I’ll be sure to tell my son Doug Johnson as he doesn’t follow the obituaries for Rosebud and Custer Co. May you find peace in your memories and healing in your faith. Cooky Johnson Hays
Sheila McGinnis says
Scott and family,
When I think of Butch, I always say he was a gentleman. If you look this up in the dictionary, it is quite appropriate.
My heartfelt condolences,
Sheila